15 Jul 2011 PPA gives back to the Milnerton community
The Pedal Power Association ‘gave back’ to the community when committee and staff members of the Association, together with local Traffic Officers, a PPA cycling marshal and friends of the PPA, spent a few chilly hours on Thursday 14 July to hand bicycle helmets and lights to commuters from the Danoon informal settlement.
“It was such a wonderful surprise to get a present this morning,” said Mark Tjula, who commutes daily between Danoon and Montague Gardens. “Thank you to the Pedal Power Association for helping to keep me safe on the road.”
Mark Tjula receives his PPA helmet and flashing red light from Daniel, Dolly and Gail
For Tawas Gumbo, who cycles daily between Danoon and Blouberg, this was a dream come true. “I am so happy,” he said. “I need my bicycle every day but could not afford a helmet.”
Tawas Gumbo was very happy with his new helmet donated by PPA, while Shane (PPA) and Vincent (BEN) fits a flashing light
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) last week also handed out helmets and lights in the Kommetjie area, and has previously repeated the exercise in Athlone, Durbanville and Tokai. The initiative this morning started just after 06h00, and ended just after 08h00 when over 80 helmets and lights had been distributed.
“The Helmet Safety Drive is part of the PPA’s annual project funding initiative,” explained PPA’s chairman, Steve Hayward. “We are in the fortunate position that the Pedal Power Association and the Rotary Club of Claremont are the beneficiaries of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, who organises, amongst others, the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. The PPA uses any profits received in this way to run the Association, and, in 2011-2012, will plough over R1,85 million into cycling projects,” said Steve. These projects include specific commuter and safety drives like the helmet hand-outs.
PPA handed out helmets to some 80 commuters from the Danoon informal settlement
South African law changed in 2004, when it became compulsory to wear a helmet when cycling on a public road.
“In general commuters will spend money on food and not helmets and lights,” Steve said. “Apart from it being law, it makes good sense to always wear a helmet – you never know when for example a dog will jump out at you, causing you to fall. In addition, many commuters wear dark clothes and are quite difficult to see on the road. We hope the lights will help in this regard.”
A quick breather inbetween all the activity!